Best Resort for Two Adults Who.....

[AlexaJane]

want to spend a lot of time in Epcot, with a visit to Animal Kingdom. This will be our first trip to WDW, and I'm confused about the bus service. If we stay in a resort that is close to Epcot, I read that there are no buses, and the walk can be long to and from the resort. Yet I also read that there can be long waits for buses from other resorts.

We want to get the most out of the 5 days we have planned. We haven't made any reservations yet... the trip is planned for November of 2012. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Alexa

 

[AllyBri]

Beach Club, Yacht Club or Boardwalk

 

[DisneylandForever]

The Beach Club is the closest hotel to Epcot. It's literally a 3 minute walk from the International Gateway (Epcot's back entrance). The Boardwalk is also close, at about a 5 minute walk. Both are Deluxes, therefore not cheap. But they also both have DVC, which means you can rent points from a member and stay in the Villas for less than what you would pay if you just booked a room through Disney. It's worth noting that early November is still Food and Wine at Epcot, which means the Epcot resorts will be harder to book. It will still be possible, though. If you have any questions on how to rent points just post them here!

The Yacht Club is connected to the Beach Club. It's very similar, and they both share the same awesome pool (Stormalong Bay, best pool in all of WDW). The downside is no DVC, so getting a cheaper room via points isn't an option.

The Swan and Dolphin are only a few minutes on foot away from the ones mentioned above, and they are less expensive. They are, however, quite hideous in my opinion.

None of the resorts above have buses to Epcot because they are all in fact within walking distance. If you don't want to walk, however, there is boat service! And all of said resorts have bus transportation to the Animal Kingdom.

 

[AlexaJane]

Thanks for the responses! The walk doesn't sound like it would be too bad, then. We don't mind walking, but I guess we'll just have to make sure that we end the day at the back entrance to shorten the hike back to the hotel. I'll check out the suggested hotels. We don't mind spending more if the location is convenient. This is the first big vacation we've taken in years, so we want to get the most out of it

Alexa

 

[coastermom]

I just went to the Beach Club with my daughter for her sweet 16 and it was amazing ... we were there late Aug and the walk to Epcot was so short we loved it ... The boat to HS was nice and there is a path to walk to HS took us like 20 min to walk and it was really nice .

Stay there or Boardwalk !

 

[Butterbunkins]

DH and I LOVE Epcot and always prefer to stay at an Epcot resort. One suggestion, don't always end the day near the back entrance. We love to grab a margarita from Mexico or a beer from Norway and relax while we watch the streams of people pass by. When that tapers off we have a relaxing walk through the countries as we head to the exit and it feels like we have the whole place to ourselves. Very awesome Disney magic!

 

[TheBigE]

I have to agree the Boardwalk is the place to stay. I recently stayed there and had a great room with a view of the Fireworks at night. The walk to EPCOT is very short, and you enter at World Showcase in the back. Not to mention, just the feel of the Boardwalk and the layout are top notch.

We also went to AK one day and took the bus and it was a quick ride and I don't remember any stops at other resorts prior to arriving at AK.

Best of luck and enjoy your trip in November.

 

[Gregawsk8]

We are staying at the Boardwalk in Noovember. We got a great deal by renting points from someone through the DVC Rental portion of this web site.

 

[vivianh]

We are probably some of the few people who don't have DVC(Disney Vacation Club) points or have stayed in one of those properties. I can see the positives in that investment, however. Speaking from a Moderate resort guest experience and now soon to be a Deluxe resort guest.... Staying in an EPCOT area resort is much more near the action!!
You would have access to Boardwalk, Epcot, and Disneys Hollywood Studios if you stayed at Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club or Beach Club. You have many restaurant options within walking distance, boatride, and bus. Oh I forgot the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom too!
Check out this website's planning information and allears.net They are the best for planning!!!
By the way, the buffet at BOMA at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a wonderful place to go for a good meal and get there early and enjoy the animal viewing areas around that resort.
Friendly advice, The Animal Kingdom park is awesome! The attractions,parades,and restaurants are awesome, but you will need some comfortable shoes cause this is a HUGE park!
Enjoy your trip!

 

[Tuffcookie]

The Beach Club is the closest hotel to Epcot. It's literally a 3 minute walk from the International Gateway (Epcot's back entrance). The Boardwalk is also close, at about a 5 minute walk. Both are Deluxes, therefore not cheap. But they also both have DVC, which means you can rent points from a member and stay in the Villas for less than what you would pay if you just booked a room through Disney. It's worth noting that early November is still Food and Wine at Epcot, which means the Epcot resorts will be harder to book. It will still be possible, though. If you have any questions on how to rent points just post them here!

The Yacht Club is connected to the Beach Club. It's very similar, and they both share the same awesome pool (Stormalong Bay, best pool in all of WDW). The downside is no DVC, so getting a cheaper room via points isn't an option.

The Swan and Dolphin are only a few minutes on foot away from the ones mentioned above, and they are less expensive. They are, however, quite hideous in my opinion. None of the resorts above have buses to Epcot because they are all in fact within walking distance. If you don't want to walk, however, there is boat service! And all of said resorts have bus transportation to the Animal Kingdom.

I fail to see what is so hideous about the Swan/Dolphin resort?

I love the Swan/Dolphin and for the price difference of the BC & YC, it is a great value! Besides, I love hanging my DIS banner and decorating my balcony with lights!

TC

 

[huskies90]

You will not be disappointed staying at any of the EPCOT resorts. So convenient especially for adults only where drinking and eating take a higher priority than when you are there with kids. There are so many food/drink options. I have stayed at the Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk and Swan. The Swan was an adults only stay and I would not over look it. It is an awesome option and certainly not hideous. You probably can get the best price there. If price is not an issue, go for a villa at the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk villas have the best location of all the EPCOT resorts because it is the shortest combined walk to EPCOT and to DHS. If you can, splurge for a 1 bedroom villa

 

[sweet angel]

My home resort is Boardwalk. I chose it (a) for the ability to walk to EPCOT (and perhaps stumble home during Food & Wine), and (b) because the points were cheaper than Beach Club.

Can't beat that area in terms of activities and proximity. I'd love to stay at Swan or Dolphin, and definitely don't find them hideous!

ETA: If you stay in that area and are looking for a fun, adult activity for nighttime, I HIGHLY recommend Jellyrolls duelling piano bar. It's fantastic!

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Just a note, but in addition to walking, the Epcot resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin) all have boat service to Epcot and Disney Hollywood Studios. Although it's been noted by others, it got kind of buried in posts.

Additionally, although some people do not love the bus service, if you stay any place on property you should not have a problem getting to Epcot (or any of the other parks). As such, you could save money by not staying at one of the pricey Epcot resorts, and not lose too much in the way of easy access.

Things to consider: The Yacht/Beach club pool is pretty darn amazing. The Beach Club has the finest ice cream spot in WDW. The Swan/Dolphin are right next to Fantasia Gardens (an excellent miniature golf course). The Boardwalk is not just a hotel, it's a shopping/entertainment area.

I fail to see what is so hideous about the Swan/Dolphin resort?

It's creepy. Seriously, every time I'm there I'm afraid of being crushed by evil art deco. Also, I await the night when the Boardwalk pool slide clown comes to life and eats all the guests.

 

[sweet angel]

The Beach Club has the finest ice cream spot in WDW.


It's creepy. Seriously, every time I'm there I'm afraid of being crushed by evil art deco. Also, I await the night when the Boardwalk pool slide clown comes to life and eats all the guests.

Beaches 'n Cream is THE BEST!!

I cracked up at the other part...

 

[Belleofthehouse]

It's creepy. Seriously, every time I'm there I'm afraid of being crushed by evil art deco. Also, I await the night when the Boardwalk pool slide clown comes to life and eats all the guests.[/QUOTE]

Okay...that is funny
My DH refuses to stay at the BW because of that slide!
I plan on getting him there one day.

 

[sweet angel]

I'd love to stay at Swan/Dolphin. The insides of the resorts are gorgeous (well, as far as shops, restaurants and lobbies -- never been in the rooms). Back by the pool is a "beachy" area with sand, and a seating area behind the waterfall that's probably a fantastic place to hide out in August humidity!

Boardwalk is my home resort -- just don't walk to close to the slide after dark and you'll be fine.

 

[TiggerDaddyo714]

Alexa,

We (like many others) have stayed at all the Epcot locations, including both the Swan & Dolphin. By FAR the best time was had at the Beach Club..... gotta LOVE that pool! Although, I prefer the nighttime view over the lake from the Boardwalk Villas looking AT the Beachclub. (go figure) That is if you can get over the carnival creepy pool below your window.

From a 'what hurts the wallet' standpoint, the S&D are by and large the way to go. They still have that "disney" feel, and some excellent views if you're in the right rooms. The walk, while a bit longer, is still not so bad. Although back then I actually could walk the distance. Funny how looking at the satellite maps you can see the walkway from the Boardwalk area to the MGM Studios and it looks like must be two miles, yet when we were there, in the middle of August, we just trekked it like nobodys business. :

Last time was actually the S&D and only for a two night 'quickie' back in 07 so it wasn't so bad. (That was the first time there I had to rent a ECV to get around Epcot.)

Forgive me if I missed it, but didn't see anyone mention the Yacht Club, same property but really 'feels' different from the Beach Club.... stuffy perhaps? Maybe not, maybe more 'grown-up' but it's different none the less. Still feels more in the 'magic' though than either the S&D.

 

[scottashackleton]

Beach Club! My favorite resort. Close to Epcot, MGM, boardwalk is a blast and Stormalong Bay is second to none!

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I have stayed multiple times at The Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, and The Swan/Dolphin. My first choice would be The Beach Club, while a very close second choice would be The Boardwalk. While I still prefer to stay with Disney, The Swan and Dolphin is also great if you find these others not affordable. You just cannot go wrong with the Epcot resorts area.